Finance
Corporate Bank Accounts
Introductions and application support with UAE banks
Get a fixed quote
Four fields. We reply within one working day.
Or call Jaleel +971 52 432 9060 or Mis Shabi +971 50 314 9109
What this involves
Opening a corporate bank account is the step that most often stalls a new UAE company. Banks apply substantial compliance scrutiny, and applications are regularly declined for reasons that are never explained to the applicant.
What determines the outcome is preparation: a coherent business model, a demonstrable source of funds, clear documentation of your trading relationships, and applying to a bank whose risk appetite actually matches your profile.
We work with First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD, Emirates Islamic, Dubai Islamic Bank, ADCB, RAK Bank and Mashreq. We cannot guarantee approval — nobody honestly can — but we can make sure your application is presented properly and sent to the right bank.
What's included
- Bank selection matched to your activity and profile
- Application preparation and document review
- Business plan and source-of-funds documentation
- Relationship manager introduction
- Compliance question preparation before your interview
- Follow-up through the approval process
Who this is for
- Newly formed companies needing their first account
- Businesses declined by a bank previously
- Free-zone companies facing extra compliance scrutiny
- Non-resident owners operating a UAE company from abroad
Not sure if you need this?
A short call will tell you whether this applies to your situation and what it actually costs — before you commit to anything.
Ask a questionDocuments you'll need
We'll confirm exactly which of these apply to your case before you start gathering anything.
- Trade licence, Memorandum of Association and share certificate
- Passport and Emirates ID copies for all shareholders
- Establishment card
- Business plan with projected turnover
- Six months of personal or existing business bank statements
- Supplier and customer contracts or invoices, where available
- Proof of residential address for shareholders
How long it takes
Typical government processing times. Individual cases vary by nationality and emirate.
Profile assessment
1–2 working daysMatching your activity and nationality to the banks most likely to approve.
Document preparation
3–5 working daysAssembling the file, including business plan and source of funds.
Application and interview
1 working daySubmission plus a compliance interview, often in person.
Bank compliance review
2–6 weeksThe bank's own KYC process. Timing is outside anyone's control.
Account activation
2–5 working daysAccount number, online banking and cheque book issued.
Common questions
Can you guarantee my account will be approved?
No, and you should treat any consultant who promises otherwise with suspicion. The decision belongs entirely to the bank's compliance team. What we can do is present your application properly and send it to the bank most likely to accept your profile.
Why do banks decline new companies?
Most commonly an unclear business model, an activity in a high-risk category, a shareholder nationality subject to enhanced scrutiny, no demonstrable source of funds, or simply applying to a bank whose appetite does not match your profile. Several are fixable before you apply.
How much do I need to deposit?
Minimum balance requirements vary by bank and account type, and falling below them triggers monthly charges. We factor this into which bank we recommend, since it affects your running costs materially.
Can I open an account without being in the UAE?
Most banks require at least one in-person meeting with a shareholder. A few offer remote onboarding for certain profiles. We will tell you which applies before you book flights.
Let's get this handled
Tell us your situation and we'll tell you exactly what's involved, what it costs and how long it takes.
Or call Jaleel +971 52 432 9060 or Mis Shabi +971 50 314 9109